Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2010 

End date: March 31, 2018

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009–10 (with the latest amendment in February 2016)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment Sub-program 2.1.9: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Description: The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian labour market, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are engaged in sustainable, meaningful employment. Funding from the Strategy supports over 80 Indigenous service delivery organizations, which deliver employment and training services and supports through over 600 points of service across Canada. Specific attention is given to working with partners in the private sector, educational institutions and other levels of government in demand-driven labour markets. This program is linked to the Employment Insurance Act, which enables Indigenous groups to deliver programs similar to those established by Part II of the Act. The Strategy is also linked to the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, which provides supports for childcare to assist Indigenous parents/caregivers accessing labour market programs. Currently, the Strategy supports labour market obligations specified in Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Indigenous groups. The ASETS network of agreement holders is used for the delivery of the First Nations Job Fund under the Income Assistance Reform. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Indigenous organizations.

ASETS is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Through pre-employment support, skills development and demand-driven job training, an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market

Performance measure:  Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2016–17 Target: 15,250

Results achieved: Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2016-17: 20,241

Comment on variance: Additional one-time funding was allocated to ASETS agreement holders through Budget 2016 and internal reallocation to further support Indigenous job training and skills development. As the internal reallocation occurred after the RPP, more funds were allocated for ASETS than originally planned.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Post-2016 Aboriginal Labour Market Programming is scheduled to be completed in November 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

ESDC works with ASETS Agreement Holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the department interacts with agreement holders in, the development and negotiation of the multi-year ASETS strategic business plans, which form the basis of their contribution agreements. There is also ongoing communication with agreement holders at the national and regional level, including regular monitoring activities.

As part of the renewal of Indigenous labour market programming, to respect the commitment towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous people, the department has undertaken extensive policy and operational engagement with Indigenous partners and communities on the design and delivery of ASETS, taking into account community needs.

2. Skills and Partnership Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Skills and Partnership Fund (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2010 

End date: March 31, 2021

Type of transfer payment:  Contribution

Type of appropriation:  Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009–10 (with the latest amendment in March 2016)
Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment Sub-program 2.1.10: Skills and Partnership Fund

Description: As a complement to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the Skills and Partnership Fund supports time-limited projects by Indigenous organizations and their private-sector and government partners. Funding recipients deliver supports and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to help them develop the necessary skills and job training to secure jobs. This program focuses on emerging or untapped economic development opportunities to meet the needs of high-demand sectors, as well as areas with skills shortages. Attention is given to ensuring that partnerships are in place prior to project initiation and that the focus of projects are responsive to demonstrated need with supports in the areas of training-to-employment, skills development and service innovation. Currently, the Skills and Partnership Fund supports labour market obligations specified in various Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Indigenous groups. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Indigenous organizations.

The SPF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Through pre-employment support, skills development and demand-driven job training, an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market.

Performance measure:  Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2016–17 Target: 1,600

Results achieved: Number of clients who obtained employment service intervention(s); 2016-17: Employed: 1,686

Comment on variance: A Call for Proposal was launched in May 2016. A total of 230 proposals were received requesting approximately $900 million in funding. Due to the large number of proposals received and the rigorous assessment conducted, project implementation was delayed. In addition, as the SPF TB Submission was approved after the RPP, there were no planned numbers at the time of the RPP publication.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Evaluation of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Strategy including the Skills and Partnership Funds was completed February 2015
• The Evaluation of the Building Aboriginal Support for West Coast Energy Project Initiative – Skills and Partnership Fund Review is scheduled to be completed in 2019-2020
• The Evaluation of Post-2016 Aboriginal Labour Market Programming is scheduled to be completed in 2019-2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Proposals can be received through a call for proposals or concepts, or through unsolicited or targeted applications. In 2016, a call for proposals for SPF was launched, which resulted in 230 proposals received, with a total funding request of $935.5M.

ESDC works with SPF proponents throughout the life of their contribution agreement. The Department interacts with proponents in the development and negotiation of their contribution agreements. There is also ongoing communication with proponents at the national and regional level, including regular monitoring activities.

In addition, ESDC also engages with industry/employer stakeholders to continue to foster partnerships and build solid relationships with these partners.

3. Youth Employment Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Youth Employment Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2003

End date: Ongoing  

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016–17

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.6: Youth Employment Strategy

Description The Youth Employment Strategy helps youth aged 15 to 30 get the career information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to find and maintain employment.  It is an ESDC-led horizontal initiative involving 10 other federal departments and agencies that assist youth in making a successful transition into today’s changing labour market.  It has three program streams—Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience, which includes Canada Summer Jobs. This program is delivered nationally, regionally and locally via funding instruments such as contribution agreements and direct delivery methods.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Youth Employment Strategy.

Expected results: Youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school.

Performance measure:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current Fiscal year. 2016–17 Target: 42,710
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2016–17 Target: 3,938

Results achieved:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current Fiscal year. 2016–17: 77,205
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2016–17: 6,095

Comment on variance: The majority of the variance is attributable to additional investments made in 2016-17 for the Youth Employment Strategy, including an increase in funding for Skills Link and the Canada Summer Jobs program. This additional funding was not included in the planned spending estimate for the 2016-17 Report on Plans and Priorities. As well, there was some variance between total authorities and actual spending amounts due to delays in implementing new program commitments.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in February 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged recipients via contribution agreements. Employment and Social Development Canada uses Calls for Proposals as the main mechanism to engage with partners.

4. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Name of transfer payment program: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (Voted)

Start date: October 17, 2006

End date: March 31, 2017

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:  2014–17

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.7: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Description: The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal-provincial/territorial cost shared initiative that provides unemployed older workers (normally between the ages of 55 and 64) with employment assistance services, skills upgrading and work experience to reintegrate them into the workforce and/or increase their employability. The Initiative assists unemployed older workers in small communities of 250,000 or less that are experiencing high unemployment, significant downsizing/closures, unfulfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches. Under this program, provinces and territories are responsible for identifying specific communities for participation in the Initiative, designing and delivering projects, and monitoring and reporting on projects. All projects must include employment assistance activities such as résumé writing, interview techniques, counselling and job search techniques and at least two employability improvement activities such as prior learning assessment, skills training, work experience or preparation for self-employment. The Government of Canada’s investment in the Initiative complements other funding provided through various labour market transfers to provinces and territories to support Canadians in receiving the training they need to secure employment, including the Canada Job Fund Agreements, Labour Market Development Agreements and Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.

Expected results: Unemployed older workers in small communities have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to return to work and/or become more employable.

Performance measures:

1. Number of approved/extended TIOW projects; 2016-17.Target: Targets are set by provinces and territories
2. Number of clients targeted by provinces and territories for participation in TIOW project. 2016-17 Target: Targets are set by provinces and territories

Results achieved:

1. Number of approved/extended TIOW projects; 2016-17: 123
2. Number of clients targeted by provinces and territories for participation in TIOW project; 2016-17: 4,089

Comment on variance: There was a delay in getting projects approved in 2015-16 due to the election and obtaining approval from the Minister’s Office and as a result many projects that were initiated in 2015/16 did not get started until late in that Fiscal year or early in 2016/17. Therefore, unspent funds were moved to 2016-17 thereby increasing the funding amount from $25M to $28M after the RPP was finalized to cover for increased spending in 2016-17.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers was completed in January 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The TIOW is managed through bilateral federal-provincial/territorial agreements between the Government of Canada and each participating province and territory. Under these agreements, provinces and territories are responsible for targeting specific communities as well as designing, delivering, and implementing TIOW projects that meet their local labour market situations and client needs.

5. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2004

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–14

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.4: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Description: In recognition of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the labour market, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities are designed to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians. This program transfers funds to provinces and territories under bilateral agreements (covering 50 percent of eligible costs, to a predetermined maximum) for programs and services. Provinces and territories agree to match the federal amount. As the needs of persons with disabilities may differ between jurisdictions, provinces and territories have flexibility to determine the design and delivery of programming in the following five priority areas: education and training; employment participation; employment opportunities; connecting employers and persons with disabilities; and building knowledge. These programs and services for persons with disabilities complement other provincial and territorial employment and skills training programs funded by the Government of Canada (e.g., Labour Market Development Agreements and the Canada Job Fund Agreements).

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities.

Expected results: Improve the employment outcomes for Canadians with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities available to them, and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians.

Performance measure:

1. Number of provinces and territories with agreements in place; 2016-17 Target: 13
2. Number of clients served; 2016–17 Target: Baseline year due to program changes

Results achieved:

1. Number of provinces and territories with agreements in place; 2016-17: Not Available^{Footnote 1}
2. Number of clients served; 2016-17: Not Available^{Footnote 1}

Comment on variance: No variance

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Review of the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged provinces and territories through the bilateral governance structure set out in each agreement. Provinces and territories are responsible for engaging with employers, disability community organizations and persons with disabilities in their jurisdictions.

6. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2007

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–15 

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  
Program 2.1: Skills and Employment Sub-program 2.1.5: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Description: The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market, and to support employers to hire persons with disabilities. This program supports a wide range of programs and services, including job search supports, skills development, wage subsidies, work placements and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities. The Opportunities Fund is delivered across the country by Service Canada Centres, in partnership with organizations in the community.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.

Expected results: Persons with disabilities have enhanced their employability, obtained employment, become self-employed, or returned to school.

Performance measure:

1. Number of clients with enhanced employability; 2016–17 Target: 4,975
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2016–17 Target: 2,512

Results achieved:

1. Number of clients with enhanced employability; 2016–17: 3,195
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2016–17: 2,142

Comment on variance: The variance between the planned and actual spending is attributed to regular slippage. The variance of the last two Fiscal years was significantly higher.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in January 2018 (Phase 1) and March 2020 (Phase 2).

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged recipients via both national and regional contribution agreements. The Government of Canada regularly consults with employers and service providers to design and deliver programming for persons with disabilities to support enhanced employment outcomes.

7. Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Name of transfer payment program: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (Voted)

Start date: January 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program 4.2.6: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Description: The Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (PMMC) is an income support grant available to eligible parents who have suffered a loss of income as a result of taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children) under the age of 18 as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence. Service Canada’s delivery of PMMC benefits involves answering program queries; collecting and processing applications and issuing payments.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children.

Expected results: The financial burden on parents of children who are deceased or missing due to a probable Criminal Code offence and who take time away from work to cope with the tragic situation is eased.

Performance measures:

1. Proportion of successful applicants; 2016–17 Target: Not applicable
2. Average number of weeks paid per recipient; 2016–17 Target: Not applicable

Results achieved:

1. Proportion of successful applicants:  2015-16 results were 46%, 2016-17 results are not available and will be published in 2017-18
2. Average number of weeks paid per recipient:  2015-16 results were 35, 2016-17 results are not available and will be published in 2017-18

Comment on variance: When the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant was launched on January 1, 2013, the forecast was based on available data and interdepartmental consultations. Despite ongoing efforts by ESDC since 2013 to increase public and stakeholder awareness of the grant, take-up continues to be lower than estimated. The program continues to engage key stakeholders while seeking opportunities to promote the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant. Awareness raising activities include encouraging partners to promote the program, engaging federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, and increasing awareness among missing children networks and victims’ support organizations.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children is currently in progress and is scheduled to be approved by December 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Outreach activities to law enforcement agencies and victim stakeholder groups are ongoing to raise awareness of this income support among eligible families.

8. Canada Job Fund Agreements

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Job Fund Agreements (Voted, replacing the Labour Market Agreements)

Start date: April 1, 2014 

End date: March 31, 2020

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–15

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.3: Canada Job Fund Agreements

Description: Through the Canada Job Fund Agreements (former Labour Market Agreements) the Government of Canada transfers $500 million per year for six years (2014-2020) to provinces and territories to help Canadians develop and obtain the necessary skills to find and keep good jobs.  The provinces and territories have the flexibility to design and implement programs that address their respective labour market needs.  The Agreements fund employment services and supports to those who are unemployed and do not qualify for Employment Insurance and low skilled workers as well as a range of employer-sponsored training initiatives, such as the Canada Job Grant that encourage employer involvement in skills training.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Canada Job Fund Agreements.

Expected results: Increase labour market participation of Canadians through funding for P/T programs that aim to help them develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job, and increase employer involvement/investment in skills training.

Performance measure:

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2016–17 Target: Provinces and territories set targets
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year; 2016–17 Target: Provinces and territories set targets
3. Change in employment status of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2016–17 Target: Provinces and territories set targets

Results achieved: Actual results for 2016-17 are not available as P/T reports will only be available in fall 2017.  2015-2016 results for a majority of provinces and territories have been provided:

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015-16: 205,799
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year; 2015-16: $2,720
3. Change in employment status of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015–16: 3,574 from unemployed to employed when surveyed 3 months post-intervention

Comment on variance: The 10% variance is attributed to the additional funding ($50M) that was allocated to the Canada Job Fund though Budget 2016 that was not included in the planned spending estimate for the 2016-17 Report on Plans and Priorities.  PTs could not receive the additional funding (and therefore not plan to spend it) until amending agreements were signed; of which the last of the PTs signed in March 2017.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluations for this program are the responsibility of provinces and territories. No evaluations were completed during the reporting year nor are any evaluations planned because the program is sun-setting.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Funding was transferred to the provinces and territories (P/Ts). They are responsible for the design and implementation of skills training and programming and setting priorities within the parameters of the Agreements. As part of that process they are responsible for engaging with employers and other stakeholders to determine priorities.

9. Apprenticeship Grants

Name of transfer payment program: Apprenticeship Grants (Voted)

Start date: January 1, 2007 (Apprenticeship Incentive Grant) / January 1, 2009 (Apprenticeship Completion Grant)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011–12

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.16: Apprenticeship Grants

Description: Apprenticeship grants are incentives to attract Canadians to the trades and to assist apprentices in the Red Seal trades to progress and complete their training. This program targets eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in one of the 57 designated Red Seal trades. It is comprised of two grants: the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices (up to a maximum of $2,000 per apprentice) who have successfully completed the technical and on-the-job training requirements for the first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program; and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, an additional $2,000 taxable cash grant to registered apprentices upon completion of apprenticeship training and receipt of journeyperson certification. Eligibility for this program is tied to the Red Seal trades, as the Red Seal represents a standard of excellence which promotes the mobility of skilled tradespeople based on national standards. Delivery of apprenticeship grants to eligible registered apprentices involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring accuracy of payments.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Apprenticeship Grants.

Expected results:

1. Participant progression in and completion of an apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade is increased
2. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner
3. Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner

Performance measures:

1. Numbers of grants:
   1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2016–17 Target: 53,300
   2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2016-17 Target: 22,500
2. Percentage of initial AIG payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days. 2016-17 Target: 95%
3. Percentage of initial ACG payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days; 2016-17 Target: 95%

Results achieved:

1. Numbers of grants
   1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2016-17: 50,367
   2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2016-17: 24,523
2. Percentage of initial AIG payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days. 2016-17: 100%
3. Percentage of initial ACG payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days; 2016-17 100%

Comment on variance: The variance between planned and actual spending in 2016-17 is attributable to the program's overall take up rate, where eligible apprentices are not applying for the grants to which they are entitled, or not providing the necessary documentation to complete the application process.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Apprenticeship Grants is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2016-17, the Department continued to work with provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities to identify opportunities and implement measures to increase program efficiency while offering individuals applying for an Apprenticeship Grant, a more streamlined application process.

10. Literacy and Essential Skills

Name of transfer payment program: Literacy and Essential Skills (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2006

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.14: Literacy and Essential Skills

Description: Some Canadians, particularly from vulnerable groups, may not have the literacy and essential skills needed to fully participate in the labour force. The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) supports Canadians to improve their literacy and essential skills to help them to better prepare for, get and keep a job and to adapt and succeed at work.  Efforts focus on supporting the integration of literacy and essential skills into employment and training programs, which are largely delivered by provincial and territorial governments and further supported by $2.7B in federal labour market transfers (e.g. Canada Job Fund and Labour Market Development Agreements, as well as other programs such as the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy).

To advance its mandate, the program engages with partners and stakeholders nationwide to acquire knowledge and promote the integration of effective practices across the country.

The program does not provide funding for the delivery of training services or for the operating needs of training providers. Its efforts complement those of provincial and territorial governments, which are the primary funders of literacy and essential skills training services. It targets labour market stakeholders (including employers, industry associations, post-secondary education institutions and skills training providers) to integrate literacy and essential skills interventions into their programming, services and policies.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program. The program also links with the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013-18.

Expected results: Adult Canadians have the literacy and essential skills they need to do their job, adapt and succeed in the labour market, and contribute to their communities and families.

Performance measures:

1. Number of Canadians having accessed essential skills training or supports; 2016–17 Target: 10,000 to 15,000^{Footnote 2}
2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2016–17 Target: 400^{Footnote 2}

Results achieved:

1. Number of Canadians having accessed essential skills training or supports; 2016-17: 8,330
2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2016-17: 636

Comment on variance: An open call for innovative essential skills training models was held in February 2015, with an annual budget of approximately $10M per year over 5 years.  In Fiscal year 2016-17, an additional $5M per year was allocated to increase the number of projects supporting Indigenous people, bringing the cumulative total to approximately $15M per year over five years. As of March 2017, proposal negotiations have advanced and continue to be under review by the Department. Accordingly, less funds than anticipated were expended in Fiscal year 2016-17

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of Literacy and Essential Skills is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in October 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Over 235,000 literacy and essential skills tools and resources were ordered in print and accessed online, including through partners such as Service Canada, Red Seal and the Canada Business Network. The program also hosted webinars to report on project progress and results and to share broadly "what works" to support people to develop the skills needed for the job market.

11. Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Name of transfer payment program: Foreign Credential Recognition Program (Voted)

Start date: May 26, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010–11 (in process of being updated)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.17: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Description: Canada's aging society, combined with its low population growth, is creating labour market pressures that heighten the need for immigrants and other internationally trained individuals to integrate rapidly into the Canadian labour market. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program targets internationally trained professionals and tradespersons, working with provincial and territorial governments and various organizations (such as regulatory bodies, national associations and credential assessment agencies) to facilitate credential recognition processes and ensure they are fair, consistent, transparent and timely. This program provides strategic financial support to its stakeholders through contribution agreements for key high-demand professions and skilled trades as well as other occupations to ensure that professionals and tradespersons who have obtained their credentials in another country can fully use their skills in Canada’s labour market. In order to streamline foreign credential recognition processes, this program facilitates national coordination among provinces and territories and other partners. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program also works to implement domestic labour mobility initiatives, and complements the Agreement on Internal Trade, by facilitating national coordination among partners and reducing barriers faced by workers in regulated occupations as they pursue employment opportunities across the country.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

Expected results:  The labour market needs of immigrant workers, employers and other stakeholders are met

Performance measure: Portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions; 2016–17 Target: 78%

Results achieved: Portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions; 2016-17: 80%

Comment on variance: The variance is mainly attributable to delays in securing authorities to implement the FCR Loans Initiative, delays in implementing projects due to the time required for project assessments, and unused funding from contribution agreements.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program is scheduled to be completed in November 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Employment and Social Development Canada continued to engage with key stakeholders through periodic meetings and conferences, and participated in regular federal/provincial/territorial activities through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers intergovernmental working groups (e.g. the Foreign Qualifications Recognition Working Group and the Labour Mobility Coordinating Group).

12. Sectoral Initiatives Program

Name of transfer payment program: Sectoral Initiatives Program (Voted) 

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: The terms and conditions governing the Consolidated Revenue Funding were approved indefinitely in 2013

Strategic outcome(s): A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.13: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Description: The Sectoral Initiatives Program is a grants and contributions program with the objective of addressing current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards and skills certification and accreditation systems. The mandate is to help industry identify, forecast, and address human resources and skills issues through partnership-based projects for key sectors of the Canadian economy to help ease labour mobility and labour market adjustment.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Sectoral Initiatives Program.

Expected results: Sectoral stakeholders benefit from industry-validated labour market intelligence products, national occupational standards, and certification and accreditation programs.

Performance measures: 

1. Number of labour market information reports or forecasting systems, national occupational standards, certification and accreditation regimes developed or updated via SIP Projects; 2016–17 Targets: Labour Market Information: 97; National Occupational Standards: 68; Certification: 24; Accreditation: 7

Results achieved:

1. In 2016-17, SIP effectively managed a total of 29 multi-year projects, which resulted in products that are enhancing sectoral intelligence. SIP’s recipient survey results are not available due to a time lag in data availability

Comment on variance: SIP projects are complex and multi-year in nature. Most of the SIP projects began in the last quarter of 2013-2014 and were three years or less in duration; as such, 2016-2017 was the last Fiscal year for many projects, and it was a partial year. Given that it is difficult to accurately forecast expenditures for Fiscal year three at the beginning of the projects, there is often a variance between the authorized budget and the actual spending, especially in the final year of the program cycle. Wherever it makes sense, SIP funds solicited projects aligned with policy interests, industry needs, and program Terms and Conditions to minimize variance.  In 2016-2017, the variance between planned and actuals can also be attributed to a delay in launching a new call for proposals.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Sectoral Initiatives Program is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in February 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2016-17, SIP actively engaged with potential and actual funding recipients, and continued to develop and maintain partnerships and projects. Recipients were also consulted to gather information about outputs, users and results of SIP projects.

13. First Nations Job Fund

Name of transfer payment program: First Nations Job Fund (Voted)

Start date: May 30, 2013

End date: March 31, 2017

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Strategic outcome(s): A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.11: First Nations Job Fund

Description: The First Nations Job Fund (FNJF) aims to provide on-reserve First Nations Income Assistance recipients between 18 and 24 years of age, who are able to work and who are trainable within one year, with the personalized training necessary to access jobs. Clients are referred to the Fund through the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Enhanced Service Delivery system. This program is delivered through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy delivery network. Selected organizations work with local training facilities and employers to ensure that Income Assistance recipients referred from the Enhanced Service Delivery system are provided with the training-to-employment and employment supports they need to secure jobs. The Fund is one of two components of the First Nations Income Assistance Reform Initiative—a joint initiative between INAC, that delivers the enhanced Service Delivery, and ESDC, that administers the FNJF.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: First Nations Job Fund.

Expected results:  FNJF clients on-reserve are employed and integrated into the labour market

Performance measure: Proportion of the clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); Target 2016–17: 30%

Results achieved: Proportion of the clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2016-17: 18%

Comment on variance: Spending for the FNJF is based on cost per client. Of the 3,777 clients expected to be referred from INAC's Enhanced Service Delivery (ESD) to the FNJF, 1,891 clients, representing 50% of expected referrals, were actually referred and served by the FNJF, accounting for lower than planned spending.  FNJF sunset March 31, 2017.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: No evaluations were completed during the reporting year nor are any evaluations planned because the program is sun-setting.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The FNJF program sunsetted March 31, 2017. As part of the renewal of ASETS, to respect the commitment towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples, ESDC and INAC conducted ongoing engagement with FNJF service providers to assess progress. In addition, in 2016-17 ESDC engaged selected FNJF service providers to test the effects if increasing the maximum expenditures per client under FNJF.

ASETS agreement holders who provided FNJF services also participated in 2016-17 engagements towards the renewal of ASETS.

14. Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing 

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Extended in 2013–14 (no end date)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment;
Sub-program 2.1.8: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Description: The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is an integral component of the Government of Canada’s whole-of-government strategy to support English and French linguistic minorities and Canada’s linguistic duality. This program aims to enhance the development and vitality of official language minority communities by strengthening their capacity in the areas of human resources and community economic development, and by promoting partnerships at all levels, including with federal partners. This program provides funds to official language minority communities in every province and territory by supporting professional local capacity to deliver services and supports to jobseekers, businesses and communities; generate strategic partnerships; spur investment; and consolidate efforts and resources of stakeholders to take action on priorities. The Enabling Fund is designed so that official language minority communities can plan and implement community-specific development initiatives and better access a range of labour market services and programs. In addition to contributing to community development, the Enabling Fund allows the Department to deliver on its commitments and obligations related to the Official Languages Act.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities. The program also links with the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013-18.

Expected results: Official Language Minority Communities are better able to implement and sustain community economic and human resource development

Performance measures: Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund-funded partners^{Footnote 3} for every dollar invested by the Fund in community economic development and human resources development; 2016–17 Target: $2^{Footnote 4}

Results achieved: Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund funded partners for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development; 2016-17: $2.69

Comment on variance: No significant variance

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is completed and results will be posted through the Department’s website once available.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Innovation, Sciences, and Economic Development (ISED) provided an experimental space through their Innovation Labs to bring together policy makers, external experts and OLMC members to share experience with the objective of reducing barriers to collaboration and unleashing innovation to drive OLMC economic and workforce development. The Innovation Lab exercise allowed for broad engagement and input into the development of a proposal to be considered in the next whole-of-government strategy for official languages.

The Enabling Fund (EF) for OLMC invited members of the Economic Action Network (EAN) Federal table to participate in a first of three sessions that make up the OLMC Innovation Lab project. These sessions were designed to help inform the development of collaborative and innovative instruments for improved programs and services to address priority OLMC issues and corresponding needs. They included consultation with OLMC economic and human resource development practitioners and stakeholders. A second session of the Innovation Lab was held on the periphery of ISED Dialogue Days with English and French OLMC stakeholders and partners. Finally, a third session was organized with the participation of federal government departments to co-create innovative instruments for improved programs and services to address priority OLMC issues and corresponding needs.

The EAN organized its first Economic Action Forum, which brought together more than 150 leaders from businesses and communities across the country in May 2016. Attendees were able to participate in workshops, share best practices, exchange and obtain tools to better understand emerging trade trends, the added value of bilingualism, the importance of sustainable development, skills development, and travel and tourism development, in order for small and medium-sized enterprises to be able to seize opportunities to access international markets and benefit from business opportunities that arise.

15. Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory – Canada Student Loans Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-program Sub-program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: From August 1, 1995, to July 31, 2000, the Canada Student Loans Program operated a risk-shared loans regime with Canadian financial institutions. This transfer payment represents consolidated costs related to that regime, including interest-free status on their loan while attending school, repayment assistance benefits, the amount of loans forgiven, risk premium put-backs and administrative costs net of recoveries on affected loans. These are not considered repayable contributions. They are payments to financial institutions by agreement under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act.

Expected results:

• Students who borrowed under the risk-shared regime continue to receive in-study student financial assistance and debt management assistance in repayment
• Canada meets its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act in agreements with financial institutions

Performance measure: Not Applicable

Results achieved: The 2015-16 CLGSAP Client Satisfaction Survey shows that 80% of the borrowers were satisfied with the quality of services they receive.

In addition, as of March 31, 2017, there were 608 students (858 as of March 31, 2016) who had borrowed under the risk-shared regime who received in-study student financial assistance and 151,544 borrowers (163,288 as of March 31, 2016) who are in-repayment, and are eligible to apply for and receive repayment assistance measures.

Canada met its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act in agreements with financial institutions.

Comment on variance: The variation is mainly due to a lower than anticipated cost of Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for borrowers with Risk-Shared loans as well as a slightly higher than anticipated value of recoveries on defaulted loans by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Audits completed or planned:

• In May 2016, the Phase 1 report on the Audit of Accounts Receivables (AR) was completed. The objective of this audit was to assess the adequacy of the Management control framework of ESDC’s accounts receivable
• Phase 2 of the accounts receivable audit – Collections, Write Offs and Remissions was completed in November, 2016
• As a part of the third phase, the Internal Audit Services Branch (IASB) is conducting an Audit of ESDC’s Commitments as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Results will be available in 2017

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements was completed in June 2016
• The CSLP Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes evaluation is scheduled to be completed in March 2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

16. Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory - Canada Student Loans Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) provides loans to Canadians who have a demonstrated financial need to help them participate in post-secondary education. The Program also offers debt management measures to those borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty so that they can repay their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income. It is managed in partnership with the participating provinces and territories, educational institutions and agencies, financial aid administrators, financial institutions and a service provider. The clients and beneficiaries include full- and part-time students and borrowers in repayment. Provinces and territories that do not participate in this program are provided with an alternative or special payment to fund similar programs and services.

This transfer payment is a non-repayable contribution to provinces and territories that have elected to deliver programs comparable to the CSLP in their jurisdictions.

Expected results: Post-secondary education students in the province of Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continue to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the CSLP.

Students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty are able to receive repayment benefits.

Performance measure: Not Applicable

Results achieved: Post-secondary education students in the province of Québec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continued to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the Canada Student Loans Program. The total value of the Alternative Payment disbursed during the 2016-17 Fiscal year was approximately $269.5M.

During the 2016-17 Fiscal year, eligible borrowers in repayment received approximately $259.7M in Repayment Assistance Plan benefits. This represents an increase of 22.5% in benefits administered compared to the 2015-16 Fiscal year.

During the 2016-17 Fiscal year, eligible family doctors, nurses and family medicine residents practicing in rural and remote communities received $20.6M in benefits towards loan forgiveness. This represents an increase of 25.8% in benefits administered compared to the 2015-16 Fiscal year.

Comment on variance: The variation is mainly due to the Alternative Payment being affected by the Bank of Canada holding interest rates low. It was previously anticipated that interest rates would rise by 2016.

Audits completed or planned:

• In May 2016, the Phase 1 report on the Audit of Accounts Receivables (AR) was completed. The objective of this audit was to assess the adequacy of the Management control framework of ESDC’s accounts receivable
• Phase 2 of the accounts receivable audit – Collections, Write Offs and Remissions was completed in November, 2016
• As a part of the third phase, the Internal Audit Services Branch (IASB) is conducting an Audit of ESDC’s Commitments as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Results will be available in 2017

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements was completed in June 2016
• The CSLP Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes evaluation is scheduled to be completed in March 2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

17. Canada Student Grants Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Grants Program (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory - Canada Student Financial Assistance Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: The Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP) provides predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage students from low- and middle-income families, student parents and students with disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. It is managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants (CSGs) provide non-repayable assistance.

Expected results: Eligible students receive a Canada Student Grant to help them finance their post-secondary education.

Performance measure: Not Applicable

Results achieved: As of March 31, 2017, $974.6M in non-repayable upfront grants were disbursed to eligible students pursuing higher education. During the 2016-17 Fiscal year, 48% (562,000) of the student population (aged 15 -29) used a Canada Student Loan and/or Canada Student Grant and/or benefited from an interest-free status on their loan while attending school to help finance their participation in post-secondary education, which is above the 47% target.

Comment on variance: The variation in grants is due to the enhancements announced in Budget 2016. Canada Student Grants for low- and middle-income students as well as for part-time students were increased by 50 per cent. The increase has been in place since August 1st, 2016.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements was completed in June 2016
• The CSLP Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes evaluation is scheduled to be completed in March 2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Ongoing outreach to current and prospective PSE students through multiple channels.

18. Canada Education Savings Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Education Savings Program (Statutory)

Start date: January 1, 1998 (Canada Education Savings Grant); January 1, 2005 (Canada Learning Bond)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant [Specify the Type of transfer payment: grant or contribution.]

Type of appropriation: Statutory - Canada Education Savings Grant

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Education Savings Act (S.C. 2004, c. 26) Canada Education Savings Regulations (SOR/2005-151)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-program 2.2.2: Canada Education Savings Program

Description: The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) are intended to make post-secondary education more affordable by encouraging early planning and saving for education. Funds can later be withdrawn to help finance children’s post-secondary education. ESDC provides matching grants on contributions in Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) for Canadian children aged 17 and under. Eligible children from low-income families can also benefit from the CLB, which provides funds to an RESP for children born on or after January 1, 2004. These incentives are delivered through an alternative service delivery arrangement with financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies and scholarship foundations. These education savings incentives complement the Canada Student Loans Program and other labour market and skills development programs offered by ESDC. Funding and activities are governed by the Canada Education Savings Act and related Regulations.

Expected results:

1. Canadians are able to finance their participation in PSE using RESP savings
2. Children under 18 have savings for post-secondary education in RESPs 
3. Low-income families open RESPs for their children's Post-Secondary Education

Performance measures:

1. Percentage and number of full- and part-time post-secondary students (15-29) who used RESP funds to help finance their participation in Post-Secondary Education; 2016–17 Target: 23.5% as of December 31, 2016
2. Total amount of RESP assets by December 31, 2016; Target: $46 billion
• Percentage of children under 18 who have ever received a CESG as of December 31, 2016; Target: 50.5%
3. Percentage of eligible children who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond by December 31, 2016; Target: 34.5% as of December 31, 2016

Results achieved:

1. 24.4% (419,611) full- and part-time post-secondary students (15-29) who used RESP funds to help finance their participation in Post-Secondary Education
2. Total amount of RESP assets:  $51.3 billion by December 31, 2016
• Percentage of children under 18 who have ever received a CESG:  51.1% as of December 31, 2016
3. Percentage of eligible children who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond:  34.7% as of December 31, 2016

Comment on variance: The variation between planned and actual spending on CESP disbursements was 3.7%. The largest variation occurred with CESG payments due to more families saving for their children's post-secondary education in RESPs than anticipated.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program is scheduled to be completed in March 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information on the CESG and the CLB is available online at canada.gc.ca, the Program’s telephone, mail and email inquiry services and 1 800 O-Canada.

Families with newly and previously CLB-eligible children received letters concerning their entitlement to receive this education savings incentive.

19. Pathways to Education Canada

Name of transfer payment program: Pathways to Education Canada (Multi-year funding agreement – Voted)

Start date: 2014

End date: 2018

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-2015

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning

Description: Pathways to Education Canada, a charitable organization founded in the Regent Park area of Toronto in 2001, is the largest community-based early intervention program in Canada. The program was created to reduce poverty and its effects by lowering the high school dropout rate and increasing access to post-secondary education (PSE) among disadvantaged youth. Pathways supports community-based partners in delivering a comprehensive suite of financial and non-financial supports that address systemic barriers to graduation to Grade 9 to 12 students.

Expected results: Federal funding is expected to allow Pathways to continue to support the approximately 5,000 existing participants across the program’s 15 active sites; to expand into five additional sites by 2018; to expand programming to support between 1,500 and 2,200 additional youth by 2018; and to increase the number of program participants entering post-secondary education (numbers as of 2014).

Pathways programming is expected to benefit youth from populations under-represented in post-secondary education, such as Indigenous youth, youth from low-income families, and youth from families without previous post-secondary experience.

Performance measures: The following key performance measures are used to measure effectiveness of programming, and to support progress monitoring, reporting and evaluation:

• Uptake, reach and retention rates
• Attendance, absenteeism, credit accumulation and graduation rate data compared to local school board-wide data; year-by-year comparison to cohort-wide baseline data
• Year-to-year graduation rate from high school, post-secondary application rate, post-secondary acceptance rate, post-secondary enrolment rate
• Post-secondary education and labour market outcomes of program participants; and
• Outcomes of programming targeted to indigenous youth

Progress and outcomes measures/indicators are clearly stated in the Grant Agreement.

Results achieved: When the federal investment in Pathways to Education Canada began in 2010, the program served approximately 2,500 students annually in 8 sites across 2 provinces. As of October 31, 2016, Pathways had expanded its programming capacity to helping approximately 5,417 students annually in 18 sites across 6 provinces. The newest program site, opened in September 2016 in Saint John, New Brunswick, represents the third program location opened since the commencement of the 2014–2018 grant agreement (along with Vancouver, British Columbia and Montréal (Lachine), Quebec).

ESDC continues to work with partners to address the financial and non-financial barriers to education faced by many Canadians. Budget 2017 renewed the Government’s support for Pathways to Education Canada to provide more vulnerable youth with the supports they need to succeed in school, including tutoring, career mentoring and financial help, such as scholarships and internships.

Comment on variance: No variance

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of Pathways to Education Canada is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in March 2018.

An independent evaluation of the Pathways program was completed by Goss Gilroy Inc. in March 2017. The evaluation assessed progress made toward outcomes in the grant agreement, as well as the program’s ability to prepare students for life after high school, the design and delivery, and its impact on student participants. Overall, the evaluation found that the Pathways program has had a positive impact on the educational outcomes and employability of at-risk and marginalized youth. The evaluation will be released by Pathways in fall 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: As stipulated in the funding agreement between Pathways to Education Canada and the Government of Canada, Pathways ensures that funded activities are effectively captured. The organization will use indicators to evaluate the outputs of its activities, to determine to the extent to which results support expected objectives and outcomes, and to capture lessons learned. This information will be reflected in financial statements, annual reports and in the final report.

20. Wage Earner Protection Program

Name of transfer payment program: Wage Earner Protection Program (Statutory)

Start date: July 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Wage Earner Protection Program Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:  2011-12

Strategic outcome: Safe, fair and productive workplaces and cooperative workplace relations

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 3.1: Labour; Sub-program 3.1.3: Labour Standards and Equity; Sub-sub-program: 3.1.3.3: Wage Earner Protection Program

Description: This program is designed to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers who are owed unpaid wages, and vacation, termination and severance pay when their employer declares bankruptcy or becomes subject to receivership. Workers can receive an amount up to four weeks’ maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act. When eligible workers receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government but only up to the amount of the payment received from the Program. Applicants who disagree with Service Canada’s eligibility decision can request a review within 30 days of the initial decision and file a request for appeal within 60 days of the review decision. The appeals are handled by an independent adjudicator appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The federal government seeks recovery of the amounts as the creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. This program covers workers in all labour jurisdictions.  Delivery of Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) benefits to eligible workers involve responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring for accuracy of payments.

There is no repayment of statutory transfer payments, unless a WEPP recipient receives an overpayment.

Expected results:  WEPP applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner

Performance measure: Percentage of initial WEPP payments and non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days; 2016–17 Target: 80%

Results achieved: Percentage of initial WEPP payments and non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days; 2016-17: 99%

Comment on variance: The Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) annual spending for Fiscal year 2016-17 decreased noticeably to the previous Fiscal year ($23.4 million compared to $18.9 million resulting in a spending decrease of $4.5 million or 18.9%). This is due to a lower number of recipients/claimants during 2016-17 (8,793) compared to 2015-16 (11,076). The annual program spending remains well below the statutory envelope allocated to the WEPP due to relatively low demand on the program year over year.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Wage Earner Protection Program is scheduled to be completed in March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2016-17, further to the statutory review of the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, which culminated with the tabling of a Report in both Houses of Parliament in 2015, the Labour Program continued its engagement with stakeholders through meetings of the Joint Liaison Committee, comprised of government and industry partners, to address operational and program issues such as the trustee payment regime.

The WEPP again surpassed its service delivery standard and ensured applicants receive payments in timely manner. This year, 99 percent of initial payment and non-payment notifications were processed within 35 days, which significantly exceeded the 80 percent target. In 2016-17, over 8.763 workers received WEPP payments (with 45% receiving the WEPP maximum, while the average WEPP payment was $2,647). In 2016 the WEPP maximum payment was $3,908 and in 2017, it was $3,946.

21. Old Age Security Pension

Name of transfer payment program: Old Age Security Pension (Statutory)

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description: The Old Age Security Pension (OASP) contributes to the income security of seniors by providing a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the age, residence and legal status requirements.

Expected results: Canada's eligible seniors have a basic income to live and receive the OASP benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the Old Age Security pension in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (benefit take-up rate). 2015–16 Target: 98%

Results achieved: Percentage of seniors receiving the OASP in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Old Age Security take-up rate); 2016–17 Result: 97.7%^{Footnote 5} (2014)

Comment on variance: The overall variance for the OAS pension is $337.3 million.  The factors that contributed to this overestimation are:

• An overestimation of $1.38 in the average monthly rate for the OAS pension, resulting in $97.1 million less in annual expenditures than expected
• An overestimation of the number of beneficiaries i.e., forecasted at 5,872,941 compared to the actual number of 5,803,313, translating into an overestimation of $458.9 million benefit expenditures in the Main Estimates
• The benefit repayment from higher-income OAS recipients through the OAS Recovery Tax was $1,483.1 billion compared to an estimate of $1.701.8 billion, representing an increase in spending of $218.7 million

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Evaluation of Old Age Security is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in August 2017 (Phase 1)
• The Evaluation of OAS/GIS Service Improvement is scheduled to be completed in March 2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients: To improve services for Canada’s seniors, an automatic enrolment regime was introduced in 2013. In 2016-17, 45% of new Old Age Security pension recipients were automatically enrolled. In 2016-17, the Department advanced work on developing automatic enrolment for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which will enable eligible seniors to receive the GIS without having to submit an initial application.

22. Guaranteed Income Supplement

Name of transfer payment program: Guaranteed Income Supplement (Statutory)

Start date: 1967

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description: Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) contributes to the income security of seniors by providing an additional benefit, on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS, applicants must be receiving the OAS pension and have no or little income.

Expected results: Canada's eligible seniors have a basic income to live and receive the Old Age Security pension benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Guaranteed Income Supplement take-up rate); 2016–17 Target: 90%

Results achieved: Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Guaranteed Income Supplement take-up rate); 2016-17 Result: 87.5% (2014)

Comment on variance: Overall, the GIS expenditures were underestimated by $118.0 million.  This can be explained by two factors:

• The average monthly rate was $486.38 as opposed to the forecasted benefit amount of $485.42, resulting in an underestimation of $21.5 million in annual GIS expenditures
• The number of beneficiaries was underestimated by 16,549 (1,854,832 estimated beneficiaries in the Main Estimates versus 1,871,381 actual beneficiaries) accounting for an underestimation of $96.5 million in expenditures

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned:  The Guaranteed Income Supplement Take-up Evaluation is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in September 2018 (Phase 1).

Engagement of applicants and recipients: To improve services for Canada’s seniors, an automatic enrolment regime was introduced in 2013 for the Old Age Security pensions. In 2016-17, the Department advanced work to extend automatic enrolment to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which will enable eligible seniors to receive the GIS without having to submit an initial application.

23. Allowances

Name of transfer payment program: Allowances (Statutory)

Start date: 1975 – Allowance; 1985 – Allowance for the Survivor

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable 

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description:  The Allowance Payments contribute to the income security of near-seniors by providing an additional benefit to low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are the spouse or common-law partner of a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) recipient, or who are a widow/widower.

Expected results: Previous measure is no longer reported as data do not allow us to make a clear distinction between near-seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Performance measure: Not Available.^{Footnote 6}

Results achieved: Not Available.^{Footnote 6}

Comment on variance: Overall, the Allowance expenditures were underestimated by $14.4 million.  This can be explained by two factors:

• The average monthly rate was $605.34 compared to an estimate of $547.73, resulting in an underestimation of $43.1 million in annual benefit expenditures
• The number of beneficiaries was estimated at 78,530 but was actually 72,994, resulting in an overestimation of $28.7 million in annual expenditures

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: There are no evaluations planned for this program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Department has undertaken a comprehensive, phased approach to identify, design, and test service improvement opportunities for the OAS program. Throughout 2016-17, the Department engaged Service Canada staff, community-based organizations, academia and Canadian citizens to identify challenges in the current OAS service delivery model and areas for service improvement

24. Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Disability Savings Program – Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (Statutory)

Start date: December 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Disability Savings Act and Canada Disability Savings Regulation

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-program 4.1.4: Canada Disability Savings Program

Description: Canadians with severe and prolonged disabilities often have low income and have to rely on family and others for support and care, leaving them financially vulnerable. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced in 2008 to help persons with disabilities achieve long-term financial security by providing a tool to encourage them and their families to save for the future. This Sub-program complements the RDSP by providing Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSG) and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSB) as additional supports to encourage savings. Canadian residents who have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can open an RDSP up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 59, while grants and bonds can be paid up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 49. Money paid to a beneficiary out of their RDSP will not affect their eligibility for federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance. This program is enabled by the Income Tax Act, the Canada Disability Savings Act and associated Regulations.

Grants and bonds are statutory payments made to individuals under the authority of the Canada Disability Savings Act and Regulations. As such, they are not part of a grant and contribution program, and therefore, there are no terms and conditions with respect to repayable provisions.

Expected results: People with severe and prolonged disabilities have a measure of long-term financial security.

Performance measures:

• Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) eligible for the Disability Tax Credit who  have a Registered Disability Savings Plan; 2016–17 Target: 15%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0 to 49) receiving Canada Disability Savings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings Bond money; 2016–17 Target: 81%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0-49) of low to modest income receiving a Canada Disability Savings Bond who have also received a Canada Disability Savings Grant; 2016–17 Target: 61%

Results achieved^{Footnote 7}:

• Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) eligible for the Disability Tax Credit who have a Registered Disability Savings Plan:  24.3%^{Footnote 8}
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0 to 49) receiving Canada Disability Savings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings Bond money; 86%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0-49) of low to modest income receiving a Canada Disability Savings Bond who have also received a Canada Disability Savings Grant; 57.5%^{Footnote 9}

Comment on variance: The planned spending of bond and grant payments for the 2016–17 Fiscal year was based on the estimated growth rate of registered plans and the observed average monthly payments of bonds and grants until September 2015. However, the Canadian Disability Savings Program (CDSP) experienced a higher than anticipated take-up resulting from a very successful mailout campaign to those eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, and therefore eligible for the CDSP in late 2015 which endured into 2016. This unanticipated increase in participation explains the 26.5% variation between planned and actual spending on bond disbursement, since bond payments do not depend on contributions by beneficiaries and a lot of new beneficiaries received a one-time payment corresponding to a bond entitlement accruing to past eligibility. Conversely, the -0.8% variance in grant disbursements is explained by the fact that, though participation increased, beneficiaries contributed slightly less than expected and thus attracted less than the planned grant allocation.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Disability Savings Program is in progress and is scheduled to be completed in October 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A number of activities were undertaken to increase program awareness and uptake, these include:

• Updating and distributing a plain-language program brochure
• In-person meetings with community-based organizations
• Four presentations to community-based organizations (2 in-person and 2 teleconferences)
• A mail-out in August 2016 to DTC-eligible Canadians who did not have an RDSP
• Teleconferences following the mail-out to address inquiries
• The distribution of brochures at conferences or to stakeholder groups upon request
• Exhibiting at  conferences in 2016; conferences were attended by service providers, practitioners, people with disabilities and their families, and the general public
• The distribution of newsletters via email to approximately 5,000 community stakeholder organizations (June 2016 and November 2016)
• E-mail communications to offer teleconferences to community-based organizations, provincial/ Territorial income and social support offices
• The continued inclusion of program information in letters sent by the Canada Revenue Agency to Disability Tax Credit recipients
• web-based information tools; and
• Contracts with non-governmental organizations to provide information sessions and one-on-one support to increase program awareness

25. Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Homelessness Partnering Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2019

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–14

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program: 4.2.1: Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Description: Homeless individuals and families can face a wide range of personal, financial and social challenges. Addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner requires the coordinated action of a number of partners including the federal government. The objective of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is to support the implementation of effective, sustainable and community-based solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. As a community-based strategy, it provides grant and contribution funding to communities and service providers across the country with a focus on the Housing First approach, providing access to permanent housing and supports to help clients remain housed. These services target individuals, families and Aboriginal people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in major urban centres, rural communities and the North. Federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community Advisory Boards, in recognition that communities are best placed to identify their own unique homelessness-related needs. Complementary activities under the Strategy include promoting data development and collection; disseminating knowledge among communities, partners and stakeholders and exploring innovative approaches to homelessness such as social enterprise; and making surplus federal properties available to communities for projects that prevent and reduce homelessness. The latter activity is a horizontal initiative that Employment and Social Development Canada manages in partnership and collaboration with Public Works and Government Services Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Grants to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations help communities more effectively address homelessness issues, and contributions to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations support activities to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada.

The HPS is a Transfer Payment Program with non-repayable contributions; however, some repayment clauses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Expected results: Housing stability for homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless

Performance measures:

1. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of 'bednights' utilized; 2016-17 Target: 15% reduction from 2013 baseline by 2017–18
2. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; 2016–17  Target: 20% reduction from 2013 baseline by 2017–18

Results achieved:

1. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of 'bednights' utilized; Data will be available October 2017
2. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; Data will be available October 2017

Comment on variance: Actual spending was higher than anticipated as a result of Budget 2016 Homelessness Partnering Strategy incremental investment.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy is in progress and is scheduled to be completed in January 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Budget 2016 invested an incremental $12.5 million over two years in the Innovative Solutions to Homelessness stream. This, along with base funding, enabled the launch of two Calls for Proposals; one for microgrants for small scale experimental projects and one for larger contribution projects to test innovative approaches to preventing and reducing homelessness.  In addition, the Department held a Call for Nominations for an Advisory Committee of experts and stakeholders in the field of homelessness to support the renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. The Department also engaged directly with community stakeholders through the Partnering to Hack Homelessness (P2H2) hackathon event which was hosted to prototype creative technology-based solutions to challenges facing the homelessness sector in Canada.

26. Enabling Accessibility Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Accessibility Fund (Voted)

Start date: The Enabling Accessibility Fund was introduced in Budget 2007, renewed in Budget 2010 for an additional three years and extended on an ongoing basis through Budget 2013.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: September 2013.

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development ; Sub-program 4.2.5: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Description: People with disabilities often experience barriers to full participation and inclusion in the activities of everyday living. The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a grants and contributions program that supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to removing barriers, and improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.

The EAF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Recipient organizations have accessible facilities, technologies and transportation.

Performance measures:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2016–17  Target: 218
2. Dollar amount of funds leveraged (cash and/or in-kind) by other sources of funding for every dollar invested through Enabling Accessibility Fund funding; 2016–17  Target: Community Accessibility Stream: $0.35 and the Workplace Accessibility Steam: TBD^{Footnote 10}

Results achieved:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2016-17: 215
2. Dollar amount of funds leveraged (cash and/or in-kind) by other sources of funding for every dollar invested through Enabling Accessibility Fund funding
   • Community Accessibility Stream: $0.88
   • Workplace Accessibility Steam: $0.82

Comment on variance: The variance between Actual Spending and Planned Spending was due to additional money received from Budget 2016.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is in progress and is scheduled to be completed in November 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2016-17, a Call for Proposals (CFP) was held for small projects combining the Workplace Accessibility Stream and the Community Accessibility Stream of the EAF. A complete communications package, including media lines and questions and answers, have been developed for the CFP. To increase uptake to the Workplace Accessibility Stream, a series of emails were sent to key stakeholders and businesses during the CFP to inform their network of members. In addition, departmental officials responded to public inquiries submitted through the generic email box of the program during the CFP. These inquiries were mostly related to eligibility criteria of the CFP. Answers provided by the Department have helped interested applicant in developing and submitting their proposals.

27. Social Development Partnerships Program

Name of transfer payment program: Social Development Partnerships Program (Voted)

Start date: April 1998

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Ts & Cs were last amended in 2010–11

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program 4.2.2: Social Development Partnerships Program

Description: The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) makes strategic investments to support government priorities related to children and families, people with disabilities, the voluntary sector, official languages minority communities and other vulnerable populations by playing a unique role in furthering broad social goals. It provides an opportunity to work in partnership with social not-for-profit organizations to help improve life outcomes of these target groups. Activities funded by the program are expected to lead to the development and sharing of knowledge of existing and emerging social issues; the creation of collaboration, partnerships, alliances and networks; and the development of approaches to respond to existing and emerging social issues. Over the long term, program support for these activities will help the not-for-profit sector and partners be more effective in addressing existing and emerging social issues, and will help target populations have access to information, programs and services tailored to their unique needs.

This is a grant and contribution program with non-repayable contributions in general. Under certain circumstances, provisions may specify repayment terms.

Expected results:  Not-for-profit sector and partners have improved capacity to respond to existing and emerging social issues for target populations

Performance measure: Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners; 2016–17 Target: 90%

Results achieved: Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners; 100%^{Footnote 11}.

Comment on variance: Children & Families component:  this component of the Program primarily develops intermediary model projects that leverage funds from partners across sectors to maximize the impact of federal funding for projects benefitting vulnerable populations. Developing projects under the intermediary model takes longer than in the previous funding model and therefore spending was lower than expected. Spending is on track for 2017-18 and lapses should be minimized.

Disability component:  While the SDPP had a variance of 31.6% overall, the variance in the disability component was 4.5%.  A decision to not launch a CFP in this component of the Program resulted in slightly lower spending than expected.  Of the $8.5M in grant funding, $8M is ongoing and $0.5M is a temporary top-up to support the Canadian Business SenseAbility (announced in Budget 2013 as the Canadian Employer Disability Forum).  The funding for SenseAbility is time limited to 4 years at $500k per year from 2013–14 to 2016–17.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Social Development Partnerships Program is in progress and is scheduled to be completed in June 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

• SDPP-Children and Families: SDPP Children and Families program uses various methods to engage applicants, such as targeted solicitation of applications, unsolicited proposals and expressions of interest or letters of intent. A variety of communications activities were conducted with applicants and recipients towards achieving the goals of leveraging federal investments, encouraging multi-sector partnerships and an increased focus on outcomes and impact
• SDPP- Disability: The Program is in the midst of a renewal with the goal of designing a Program and Accountability Framework (PAF), in collaboration with the disability organizations, to enhance fairness and transparency in funding while being relevant to the disability community and that supports the capacity of the disability sector as a whole. A steering Committee has been established which brings a broad and inclusive group of representatives from the disability community together to jointly develop the PAF. The PAF will be in place by 2018-2019, and will increase funding predictability while making funding opportunities available to a broader number of organizations

28. New Horizons for Seniors Program

Name of transfer payment program: New Horizons for Seniors Program (Voted)

Start date: Original program: October 1, 2004; Expanded Program: September 27, 2007; Enhanced Program: September 30, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Ts & Cs were last amended in 2010-11 

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program 4.2.3: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Description: The growth in the population of seniors in Canada is accelerating, with the total number of seniors projected to reach approximately 10 million by 2036. This presents both opportunities and risks for seniors and their communities. Empowering seniors, encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community, and enhancing seniors' social well-being and community vitality are goals of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This program provides grants and contributions funding for projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The program has five objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors. Community-based projects are typically up to $25,000 in grant funding per project for up to one year. Pan-Canadian projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 for up to three years in duration. In order to test elements of social innovation within the NHSP, pilot projects involving the leveraging of funds commenced in 2014–2015 for a period of two years. This program is complemented by a range of policies, programs and services targeted at seniors such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the National Seniors Council.

The NHSP does not use repayable contributions.

Expected results: Communities have the capacity to address local issues by engaging seniors.

Performance measure:

1. Number of seniors who participated in community projects; 2016–17 Target: 368, 972
2. Reduction in the number of targeted seniors who have been identified as being socially isolated; 2016–17 Target: TBD (baseline being developed in 2018-19)

Results achieved:

1. Number of seniors who participated in community projects; 2016–17 Target: Data not yet available^{Footnote 12}.
2. Reduction in the number of targeted seniors who have been identified as being socially isolated; Data not yet available^{Footnote 13}

Comment on variance: The annual budget total for the NHSP is $43.1 million. Actual spending was less than anticipated due to the late start of some projects. Significant funding was transferred from grants to contributions in 2016-17.  This is a usual practice within the NHSP budget envelope as necessary, depending upon the projects to be funded.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: The evaluation of the New Horizons for Senior Program is scheduled to be completed in November 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information about NHSP, including calls for proposals, is made available to public on Government of Canada's website.  As part of Service Canada’s community outreach activities, potential applicants are engaged on an ongoing basis. The Department has also been working with a number of organizations across the country to implement the collective impact model which is an innovative approach that focuses on partnering among community organizations. The goal of this innovative approach is to mobilize community stakeholders to work collaboratively in order to address complex social problems such as social isolation of seniors, and to achieve significant and long-lasting social impact.

In addition, a study was undertaken to develop a methodological approach to collect and share (with all relevant stakeholders), key factors related to projects’ success, including lessons learned and best practices. A methodological approach will enable relevant data to be collected more efficiently and timely, and will be shared broadly to improve the awareness of the program and the quality of a future Call For Proposal process.

29. Universal Child Care Benefit

Name of transfer payment program: Universal Child Care Benefit (Statutory)

Start date: July 1, 2006

End date: July 1, 2016  

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Universal Child Care Benefit Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006–07 

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program 4.2.4: Universal Child Care Benefit

Description: The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) was established in 2006 to provide direct financial assistance to Canadian families with children. Budget 2015 enhanced the UCCB by increasing the benefit from $100 to $160 per month for each child under the age of six, and introducing a new benefit of $60 per month for each child aged six through 17. As a “universal” benefit, all eligible families received the UCCB, regardless of income.

Budget 2016 introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), one simple, tax-free and more generous benefit targeted to families who need it most. The CCB replaced the UCCB effective July 1, 2016, however, the Universal Child Care Benefit Act remains in force to allow for the processing of retroactive claims, adjustments, and remissions.

Expected results: Canadian parents with children under age 18 have financial support for the care of their children.

Performance measure: Percentage of eligible children for whom parents are receiving the UCCB(UCCB take-up rate); 2016–17 Target: 97%

Results achieved: Not applicable. The UCCB was replaced by the Canada Child Benefit in July 2016. The UCCB take-up rate for 2016-17 cannot be calculated because expenditures for the UCCB from July 2016 onward are related to retroactive payments and other adjustments.

Comment on variance: The variance of $-5,721.2 million between 2016–17 Planned and Actuals is a result of the Budget 2016 introduction of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that came into effect and replaced the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) on July 1, 2016. The UCCB statutory payments were made to eligible recipients only for the months of April, May and June 2016; and the variance represents the forecasted payment costs for the last nine months of 2016-17. Although the UCCB was replaced with the CCB in July 2016, ESDC continues to be responsible for retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the UCCB account receivable.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2016-17

Evaluations completed or planned: No evaluations were completed during the reporting year nor are any evaluations planned because the program is sun setting.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: During 2015-16 and 2016-17, a variety of communications activities were conducted to make applicants and recipients aware that the CCB would replace the UCCB effective July 2016.